Nasu Town is a charming tourist destination surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the four seasons, offering a variety of activities.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Nasu Town provides a refreshing retreat in the great outdoors, making it a popular spot for foreign tourists as well.
In this article, we introduce the highly recommended activities in Nasu Town. Use this guide to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Nasu and plan a wonderful trip.
- Enjoying Nature Through the Seasons: Mount Nasu and Nasu Ropeway
- Healing and Discovery: Interacting with Animals
- Visiting the Imperial Retreat: Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest
- Exhilarating Buggy Adventures in Nature：Nasu Buggy Park
- Enjoying Japanese Tradition: Nasu Onsen Village
- Easy Camping in Nature: No-Equipment-Needed Camping
- Great Shopping Opportunities Amidst Yen Depreciation: Nasu Garden Outlet
- Summary
Enjoying Nature Through the Seasons: Mount Nasu and Nasu Ropeway
Mountain climbing is an activity that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced hikers alike.
Mount Nasu, with an elevation of 1,915 meters, offers beautiful landscapes throughout the year.
The Nasu Ropeway allows easy access to the summit area, making it accessible even to those without extensive hiking gear.
Mount Nasu has well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. In spring, you can enjoy fresh greenery, in summer, the cool climate and lush greenery, and in autumn, vibrant fall foliage.
Winter brings snow and strong winds, making it suitable for advanced hikers.
The ropeway reaches up to the ninth station, allowing novice hikers and those without full gear to enjoy the ascent easily.
Healing and Discovery: Interacting with Animals
Nasu Town offers numerous facilities where you can interact with animals.
At Nasu Safari Park, you can observe wild animals like lions and giraffes up close from the comfort of your car.
Nasu Animal Kingdom allows you to interact with capybaras and alpacas and enjoy exciting animal shows.
Nasu is also home to many farms.
At Minamigaoka Farm, for instance, you can enjoy horse riding and small animal interactions, along with unique farm experiences like sausage and butter making.
Don’t miss the fresh dairy products and homemade ice cream made from freshly milked cows.
Visiting the Imperial Retreat: Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest
Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest is a vast natural park that once served as an imperial retreat.
Due to its long-term preservation by the imperial family, the forest remains untouched, offering pristine natural beauty.
Visitors can enjoy the changing seasonal landscapes and rare plant observations.
The forest is divided into two areas: “Fureai-no-Mori,” which is open for public exploration, and “Manabi-no-Mori,” accessible only with an interpreter guide, ensuring a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem.
Exhilarating Buggy Adventures in Nature：Nasu Buggy Park
At Nasu Buggy Park, you can enjoy large 4WD buggies and EV karts.
The thrilling experience of traversing hilly terrain and streams is a major attraction, with options like kid-friendly karts and two-seater buggies for families.
The exhilaration of driving through wetlands and small rivers in nature is unparalleled.
For those who find buggies intimidating, go-karts on a circuit are available.
Visiting with family or friends will create unforgettable memories.
Note that the park operates from mid-March to mid-December and is closed during the winter.
Enjoying Japanese Tradition: Nasu Onsen Village
Nasu Onsen Village is an area dotted with numerous hot springs, offering a relaxing soak amidst nature.
With a history spanning 1,200 years, Nasu Onsen-kyo is a traditional hot spring resort.
You can experience the unique qualities and atmospheres of different hot springs like Nasu Yumoto Onsen, Omaru Onsen, and Itamuro Onsen.
Enjoy a tranquil moment in an open-air bath surrounded by nature.
Immersing yourself in the traditional Japanese culture of hot springs will enhance your travel experience.
For more details about Nasu Onsen-kyo, check out this article.
Easy Camping in Nature: No-Equipment-Needed Camping
Nasu Town offers facilities where you can enjoy camping without bringing your own equipment, making it ideal for foreign tourists without camping gear.
For example, Nasu Ponpoko no Yado Campground provides rental camping gear and accommodations, allowing even beginners to enjoy camping easily.
With all the necessary tools available, all you need to do is buy food from a supermarket.
Enjoy barbecues and stargazing in the vast nature of Nasu for an unforgettable experience.
Great Shopping Opportunities Amidst Yen Depreciation: Nasu Garden Outlet
Nasu Garden Outlet is a shopping mall where you can purchase domestic and international brand items at great prices.
With the current yen depreciation, shopping in Japan becomes even more advantageous.
The expansive grounds feature beautiful garden areas and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy nature between shopping sprees.
Be sure to try the gourmet dishes made with fresh ingredients from Nasu.
Summary
Nasu Town offers a wealth of natural beauty and activities to enjoy.
Whether it’s hiking Mount Nasu and riding the ropeway, interacting with animals, exploring Nasu Heisei-no-Mori, adventuring at the Buggy Park, relaxing in hot springs, camping without gear, or shopping at Nasu Garden Outlet, there’s something for everyone.
Use this guide to fully experience Nasu’s nature and plan an unforgettable trip!
